I've been riding the rail trail for three years.I ride mostly from Ellenboro to the Silver Run Tunnel west of Cairo.This 11 mile section is very well maintained.I rode from Pennsboro to Greenwood and was disappointed with the condition of this section.The trail was mostly grass which made for difficult riding.I have also seen four Otters and a black-footed ferret on the trail.To protect these animals I am keeping their location a secret.

I just recently learned about the rail trails. My 11 yr old son and myself started our trip at Wolf Summit near Clarksburg. We parked in the church parking lot , the begining of the trail is really tore up. The company who ran the water and sewer lines should be ashamed of themselves! It's only bad at the very begining about a couple hundred yards. We only rode 4 miles each way, so it was a 8 mile trip in 94 degree heat and the humidity was high. The trail is clearly marked and changes from, dirt, crushed rock, grass and pavement. There is plenty of shade along the trail. The ride was easy no steap hills and we met several nice people along the way. One couple that lives close to tunnel #2 was happy to talk to us about the where the tunnel was and told stories about the track they still walk on it a little everyday(they were mid 80's). You will need a light for the tunnel my batteries were going dead in mine but just enough light to make it thru both times. At the end of the tunnel there's a nice shaded area with a picnic table. We stoped there and had lunch and rested. We crossed a couple bridges and the lanscape in place were beautiful. we started on mile marker 71 and stoped on marker 67 but like I said we had to ride back and didn't want to over due it. We both bought new bikes for this we are in no way seasoned cyclist. We are going tomorrow and starting at marker 67 for another ride we hope to ride the whole thing this summer. I will say be careful the first 50 ft or so it's muddy from the new pipeline work. I slipped in the mud and fell scratching my knee and brusing it pretty bad that's the only reason we didn't continue the ride the next day I had to wait a few days for it to stop hurting. So far its a great ride and can't wait to go the next few miles!

July 2 & 3, I rode from Parkersburg to West Union, a 50 mile ride. I stayed over night at the shelter at West Union.
After an evening of heavy rains, I awoke to a front flat tire. Having pushed my bike for about an hour, I spotted
a house with an air compressor. This was the 3 act of kindness from the West Virginia people.

Dispite the wet tall grass, muddy trails, flat tire, rough big rocks, long lonely stretches, and bug bites, it was the best ride. It's not a walk in the park, but for the person that likes an adventure!!

Lorraine

We biking a total of 57 miles on the North Bend trail during the first week of June, 2011. What a disappointment! This trail was perhaps never truely developed for bicycles, or perhaps was allowed to decline to its present sorry state. We based ourselves at the North Bend State Park campground, which was a very nice experience - site 10 is the best site but cannot be reserved in advance. We covered the trail between Eaton and West Union, avoiding the connectors near both Parkersburg and Clarksburg. The only decent experience was between about Petroleum and Ellenboro, a distance of about 15 miles with some nice bridges and tunnels. The only shelter we found was at Petroleum, with a toilet, plus a small pavilion in Cairo (pronounced KAY-ro). We could find no water anywhere on the trail, including at Cairo where it would have been a simple matter to have erected a tap in town for trail users. We saw NO other users of the trail except one hiker, and two families who had apparently driven or walked near to the trail and were illegally digging up old rails for scrap. The biggest problem with this trail is the inconsistency of the surface and the frequent discovery that there is NO surface except mowed vegetation. It is VERY difficult to pedal grades through tall weeds. I don't understand why some kind of gravel surface for bikes doesn't exist the entire length of the trail. It would only have to be about 2 ft wide for all but trikes. A simple herbicide application would soon create a barren strip kept free of weeds by users. Nearing Central Station, the trail was completely overgrown and we were forced to jump to local roads to get to our vehicle parked at West Union. These narrow paved roads were a relief in some respects, but traffic and the speed of going downhill was dangerous. If you are a hiker, then this is a good trail for you if you can find or carry enough liquids to sustain your travels. You will likely have to leave the trail in the few places that have any stores or fast food places for drinks or restrooms. If we missed the best parts of the trail with the 25 miles or so that we didn't do, apologies. But if you are driving in as we did (8 hours) in search of another rail trail for biking to add to your list, you should keep looking.

I rode this trail from Parkersburg to Cairo and Ellenboro to West Union. I was very disappointed in this trail, and I feel that the conditions along it pose a serious danger to cyclists. The pathway was rutted, overgrown with weeds, and had poorly designed vehicle barriers.

The worst thing about the trail is the fact that many nearby residents do not leash or restrain their dogs. On 10 separate occasions, I was approached by dogs displaying varying degrees of aggression. I don't know the leash laws in the area, but this seemed to be an accident waiting to happen.

Conditions:
Dirt pathway with some gravel. There were long patches of deep mud, and the trail had not been mowed. Some sections had tall weeds that were difficult to ride through. The large gravel used to fill in some old mud puddles was very slippery.

Scenery:
Section from Parkersburg to Walker was mostly residential and not that scenic. Section from Walker to Cairo was mostly wooded but did have some neat tunnels. Section from Ellenboro to West Union was mostly residential and not that scenic except for the neat tunnels.

Access/facilities:
Trailhead in Parkersburg is totally unmarked and difficult to find. Trailheads in Ellenboro and West Union were easy to find and well marked. There was only one outhouse (in the tiny town of Petroleum) along the Parkersburg-Cairo section and only one along the Ellenboro-West Union section.

Recommendations:
Do not even attempt this trail on a road bike; it was difficult in spots even on a mountain bike. The tunnels are unlit so if you want to go through the longer ones, a flashlight is essential. I would highly recommend wearing long pants and bringing a can of pepper spray in case of an aggressive dog. Count on getting muddy.

The tunnels (especially the Central Station Tunnel) were really neat to see. If you want to see them, park at the closest trailhead and go straight there. Otherwise, I would avoid this trail.

My wife and I enjoyed a great two days on the North Bend this past weekend (Happy Valley to Cairo on the first day; Pennsboro to North Bend Park on the second). As noted in other reviews, this trail is a little rougher than some, but that description shouldn’t scare anyone off. We ride a road tandem with 700 x 32 (1.25” wide) tires @ 80 psi and found the ride comfortable. There are a few spots with some large-sized gravel that shouldn’t be used on a bike trail, but it accounted for only a small percentage of the ride. Someone noted the need for a flashlight in the longer tunnels; a light jacket/sweatshirt is good too as the temperature in the tunnel is significantly cooler than outside.

We parked one day at the Happy Valley (western terminus). Not really much of a “parking” area, but just a wide dirt/gravel path. There was a porta-john at this location. There is a more established parking area, covered picnic area and permanent restroom facility at Petroleum; not much else. We turned around in Cairo, where the path runs right through this small town. There was a small store for drinks, sandwiches, etc. that was open and plenty of parking. (Note the ice cream shop had a sign indicating it was closing the next weekend).

Our second day started in Pennsboro, which is right on the trail. This is a nice small town with a restaurant adjacent to ample parking. We turned around at North Bend State Park which has parking, water, etc. You have to get off the main trail and ride about a mile to get to the main park area.

We rode the entire length of this trail. It is hard to believe that it is a National Trail because it is so unkempt. Lots of long grass and rough spots. The trail is very remote and the many tunnels are quite long. The only part of the trail that I feel is suitable for families is a few miles around North Bend State Park.

My wife and I (60 and 63yrs.old) just completed the trail out and back in four 35+ mile days. Riding our mountain bike tandem, we began each day at a different access point. Parkersburg (Happy Valley) , Pennsboro, Smithburg, and Wolf Summit. Route 50 which parallels the rail is a four lane, 65 mph
route to each access point. The trail itself was fun and challenging at the same time. Some areas between Pennsboro and Happy Valley have large all gravel paths, but most of the trail consists of two gravel paths about a foot wide with a grassy middle. Still other sections of the trail have little or no gravel and are all grass, which makes for very hard pedaling. Take a flashlight for safety in the tunnels. We walked all tunnels because of wet slippery conditions in some areas of many of the tunnels. This trail needs more gravel and some work on the tunnels to give it a broader appeal to more riders. If you come expecting a smooth groomed trail you will be disappointed, but if you are the least bit adventurous and willing to accept changing riding surfaces then give this trail a try. We did. You might even get to play in some mud and feel like a kid again! P.S. The family restaurant in Pennsboro, adjacent to the train depot, has breakfast available all day in addition to a regular menu. Roger and Marilyn

We just rode this trail. We stayed at North Bend State Park.

The trail is a beautiful place with lots of wildlife present. We stayed about the middle of the trail and rode west one day and east the next. All told we rode from Happy Valley to West Union.

My reservation on this trail is that there is no place to get water or help if you are riding alone. The repairs on the western section were done in places with fairly large (for bike tires) rip-rap rock. These rocks are completely unacceptable for bike trails but they could be avoided by riding into softer grass areas generally. We experienced 1 flat that I attribute to the surface. Don't expect to buy food along the western section of the trail there is no place from Cairo to Happy Valley. There also is no water going from west union to happy valley. And finally there was only 2 unpleasant pit toilets in fifty miles.

The section from Pennsboro to West Union was unfinished and VERY difficult to ride. When we rode the trail it was damp and the the tires would get sucked into the mud. I ride 700x35 and it was enough for the conditions but was really tough. When damp, plan on going half the distance with the same effort in this section. It is a good thing we had our car in West Union because we were exhausted in riding 21 miles from the state park. The longest tunnel near West Union was under construction when we were there. The west end had new rough rip rap and the east end was a giant mud puddle but passable while walking through the mud.

What a great place to hike....We have been on several hikes on this trail and come down from northern OH. I actually proposed to my fiancee at MM 53.
We like the old tunnels and the old towns you pass through...for someone who lives in the city, its a great get away! Hikers should know as of 6/13/09 Tunnel #6(longest on the trail) Near West Union was COMPLETELY underwater. When we approched we could clearly see that the ??West?? end of the tunnel was underwater, so unless you have waiters...(or a GOOD mountain bike) dont plan on passing thru this tunnel. A good alternative is the eaton tunnel,(tunnel #21) besides spraypaint this is one of the best tunnels, smooth and dry! Silver run tunnel is a little damp in places, but how it bends, it makes it a rush to go through as you cant see the other side! Overall we love the seclusion, and nature on this trail.....we currently hike all areas of it, but have yet to do some sections a little further to the east....(near clarksburg)

"I moved to Harrisville, WV, because of the North Bend Trail! As a cyclist and horseback rider, this Trail really fits the bill for a pleasurable ride. Although the trail is not as groomed as many urban riders would prefer, the rural setting more than makes up for the effort! Be sure to bring plenty of water, though... facilities are sparse.

My favorite ride is from Ellenboro or Cairo to Petrolem, or even on to Parkersburg.

As you head west from Cairo, you start feeling that you have traveled back in time. The homesteads are spaced pretty far apart, and at times you will wonder if there is ANY civilization at all!

There are access points to the trail all along US 50, but they aren't always easy to find.

North Bend State Park offers lodging for a reasonable rate, and it's got horse-friendly campsites. There's a new horse-friendly B&B opening in Ellenboro this summer ('06). There are also other B&B's tucked in along the trail.

The Park is also kid-friendly (pool, fishin' pond, general store, put-put).

The trail between Ellenboro and Cairo is most-heavily traveled.

There's a half-mile spur from the Trail into the heart of the Park. Cyclists and trail-riders can hitch their ponies to appropriate locations outside the Lodge and enjoy a good meal, reasonably priced, in the Lodge restaurant.

Additionally, a new flood conrol project created a 305-acre lake. Any motorized boats but be unde 10 hp, and the surface is perfect for canoes and kayaks. There's about 11 miles of shoreline. An old narrow gauge rail-bed follows along one side of the lake. It is being developed by local volunteers as an equestrian trail, but for now is available to all users. (I don't know if bikes will be restricted in the future. I doubt it.)

Ritchie County is one of WV's best-kept secrets! Come here for a visit and you won't want to leave!"

"We rode the section of the trail from Cairo to Pennsboro(15 miles) on a beautiful Fall morning. That section of trail has lots of tunnels and bridges, and both towns are interesting to wander through. It is easy to find the trail in Cairo, since it passes directly through the downtown. The old Bank of Cairo is now the county visitor center. The local bike shop is at the other end of the square, and both are adjacent to the trail.

Pennsboro seems to be the center of glassworks in the area. We bought some beautiful glass marbles at a shop near the station in Pennsboro, and saw piles of molten glass next to the trail at a factory in nearby Ellenboro."

"I loved the North Bend Rail Trail! I had wanted to bicycle it ever since I read about it Rails to Trails Magazine. I stayed at the Rose Hill Inn in Pennsboro, WV, and the owner graciously allowed me to use one of his bikes for the day, and I rode the section from Pennsboro to a little bit beyond Cairo, to the infamous tunnel that's supposedly haunted. Cairo was incredibly cute, and taking a walk around R.C. Marshall Hardware is worth the trip alone. We wanted to go to the ice cream parlor, but unfortunately it was closed for the day.

The trail itself is a great combination of beautiful wilderness views, including rivers and mountains, and a snapshot of West Virginia life in they heyday of the railroad era and today. You can get a map of the trail and the area from the Ritchie County Chamber of Commerce, along with information about other local tourist attractions. The section I rode was in great shape, and there even workmen repairing a section of it. It was definitely worth the trip, and I'd highly recommend it to others!
"

"The North Bend State Park Rail-Trail is one the best kept secrets in the state of West Virginia. Is it intentional, because there is a complete lack of signs marking the trail's location. Even the trailhead parking lot in Parkersbug was not marked. Was this the acts of vandals or just a lack of funding?

Just finding the trail is a small adventure in itself. But trust me, it's worth this small adventure. I did the whole trail in two days in early June during the raining season and had to maneuver around numerous puddles.

The best parts of the trail are the eleven tunnels along the seventy miles. They are nicely spaced throughout on the trail. I admit the tunnels can be challenging at times because of pools of water, the mud and the coarse gravel, but a little dirt never hurt anyone. Leave your racing bike at home. Because real men don’t use flashlights, I was able to navigate each tunnel without the aid of any man made lights. Some of these underground passages provide as much thrills as a ride at Disney but far cheaper. The longest tunnel is almost a half-mile long and is very dark, lights are not provided. The secret to navigate is to aim directly towards the light at the end tunnel. Although one cannot see the walls you get a sense of where they are. In addition you cannot see the ground below. It almost gives you almost the sensation of flying. Each tunnel has its own unique pitfalls.

The first 40 miles from Parkersburg to Pennsboro is as scenic as any rail-trail I have been on. The overall conditions for this segment are pretty good considering the heavy down pours the previous day. The grass was quandary in several places, but it was the growing season. There are several small towns along the trail. My favorite was Cairo. A visit to the bank turned museum is a must for the history buff. Plus the town offers a bike shop for repairs

Another interesting element and seems unique to the North Bend trail is some of train signals still mark the trail. It’s a nice nostalgic touch. The trail got less scenic after Pennsboro and was more challenging for the rider but it's not without its own gems. There are more tunnels and towns. Salem is an interesting community. It's a perfect place to replenish supplies or to take in the sites. It’s easy to take in the trail at a leisurely pace. The trail ends abruptly at Wolf Summit. Are there plans to extend it to Clarksburg, which is a rather large town?

I got the impression the trail is practically ignored by the local communities, but the North Bend State Park Rail-Trail just begs to ridden by those who are looking for more adventure than just a ride in the park and deserves your consideration."

"We rode this trail in the Spring 2003 and '04. For those from the south, June is still spring and the trail is rough, especially between Ellenboro and Pennsboro. We have not done the eastern end, which I hear is rough.

The area near North Bend State Park is in pretty good shape. My 8-year-old daughter had no trouble here, although you wouldn't want an 8-year-old to do some of the other sections. I used to ride the B&O National Limited through here as a child, but it went through at night and I never saw anything except the snow. This is remote country and we saw lots of deer. The people at the State Park are really nice. Ten miles on this trail will really wear you out, and I am in good shape."

"After reading the article in the ""Rails to Trails"" magazine produced by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, I was very curious to bike this trail and take some family along who don't bike much. It worked out great as we leap-frogged segments and made the entire 72 miles in five days.

There was only one bike rental place available and that was Country Trails in Cairo. The Loghouse Homestead was a great place to be for one night with its wilderness setting and amenities including a wonderful breakfast.

The Rosehill B/B was in the town of Pennsboro and was also very comfortable. The completely furnished cabin in North Bend Park was very nice too!

We saw lots of wild life on the trail including box turtles, ground hogs, deer and snakes. The tunnels were eerie but fun. Trees were turning color more and more as we rode. "

"My friend Ed and I rode three of West Virginia's trails on the same trip last summer (7/02). We started on the Greenbrier trail, then did the West Fork trail, after which we rode to Wolf Summit and did the entire length of the North Bend trail. I rode a Mtn. Bike with a shock stem and seatpost shock and 1.5 inch tires, while my friend rode a hybrid with 700 by 35 tires.

The North Bend trail was easier to negotiate than the Greenbrier trail due to the use of a finer grade of crushed limestone, which was hard packed for the most part. The trail had a good combination of remote feel, especially after moving away from Rt. 50. There were multiple interesting small towns where you could stop for food or drink or to camp. The low point was arriving at North Bend park on the 4th of July and being assigned tent camping space in the blistering sun next to Goose Poop Pond. We achieved space for a single tent free of fecal material by moving a picnic table. The park appears to cater to large RV's, while tent campers are assigned to Goose Poop ghetto. This is a shame, since the park is large with multiple areas which would be better suited for tent camping.

All tunnels on all trails were rough, with railroad ballast surface at best, mud and water over the ankles at worst and a low hanging fog which obscured your feet even if you had good lights. Forget trying to ride any of these, unless you have a death wish. We also had the misfortune to be following behind the gravel trucks and graders which had deposited 4-6 inches of new fine unpacked gravel on the final 20 miles of the trail. This made the riding slow and very difficult.

The end of the trail was not immediately obvious to us and we ended up riding a freshly bulldozed segment a few additional miles to a massive tangle of downed trees, where we cut up to a parking lot and got out to the main highway going into Parkersburg.

We plan on coming back this October to see the leaves change and to stop at some of the shops which were closed during our last trip. All told, a great facility! "

"We rode the trail from Petroleum to Pennsboro on July 12, 2003. The trail is gorgeous. We saw deer, turkey, squirrels, chipmunks and a weasel (we think, never having seen one in the wild).

The ride is 40 miles round trip and we had a wonderful time. The surface in the tunnel between Petroleum and Cairo is messy (wet and needs gravel). Otherwise the surface is great. Good stopping off points."

Absolutely beautiful trail. Went roundtrip from Petroleum to Ellensboro last weekend. Trail in excellent shape. Has a nice remote feel to it.

"Sections of the trail were a little rough. Tunnel #19 just west of Cairo is the one that is supposingly 'haunted'. It is very rough, pitch dark, 1376', slight curve, with huge, not evened out ballast & another area with soft gooey mud. Dismount & walk thru this tunnel. I think it is the locals who make it haunted. I found a large boulder (18"" x 24"") & a railroad tie or a huge plank of wood. By walking thru with a flash light you can really appreciate the brick arched architechural structure. You also avoid falling off your bike, breaking a hip & lying on the cold dark damp floor until help came. Medical Help is remote & it would be a long wait. You may encounter horses or other bikes coming thru ..so, whistle a little tune. Another hint - take extra water. There are No water spikets. You have to rely on businesses in Cairo, Pennsboro or Salem to fill your bottles. Rails-To-Trails boasts that this trail has the most Tunnels. It is worth the ride & we will be going back because we want to experience ALL the Tunnels. I believe there is 11 Tunnels full of history!"

"Although relatively level, this trail was really rough to ride. Surface is not smoothe... Tunnels were hard to traverse, even with adequate headlamps..."